November 23, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen (31) blocks a shot as defenseman Sami Vatanen (45) and defenseman Hampus Lindholm (47) help defend against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
First Star: Hampus Lindholm, D (+1, 1 SOG, 2 Hits, 18:48 TOI)
Just as Manson has continued to improve, Hampus Lindholm has grown game by game into the Ducks’ best defenseman and blue-line anchor. He was once again a tremendous calming force on the back-end, making quick decisions with the puck. He committed a penalty on Shane Doan on a breakaway late in the third, yet almost converted a breakaway of his own as he stepped out of the box.
The Ducks have needed a true number one defenseman, and the 20-year old has responded. In his 100th career NHL game, Lindholm has become one of the best players on this team, and he was key in killing off a Beauchemin minor with 40 seconds left while the Ducks faced a 6-on-4. The defense was outstanding in the game, and they were led by Lindholm, as they have been most nights all year.